Processes and apparatus for information transfer

ABSTRACT

Systems, processes and apparatus are described through which signals are modified within a system. A signal conditioning module is configured for insertion into the system and provides capability for expansion of information exchange capabilities between system elements responsive to modification of the system. The signal conditioning module includes a first link for supplying coordinated information to multiple display elements to synchronize information displayed by each of the multiple display elements, a second link for supplying coordinating data internal to a control system for a nondestructive imaging system to synchronize the internal data with the information displayed by each of the multiple elements and a third link for supplying coordination descriptions relevant to a nondestructive imaging task performed by the system to a memory, including an image and data relevant to that image.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to concerns associated augmenting orexpanding capabilities of existing systems, notably in conjunction withadditional modules, in particular to expansion of information exchangecapabilities between system elements responsive to modifications ofexisting systems, and more particularly, to techniques for facilitatingsuch in a context of mobile nondestructive evaluation tools, includingtools employed in medical diagnosis.

BACKGROUND

Many medical diagnoses rely on non-invasive diagnostic tools to provideinformation, often in the form of images, descriptive of status ofinternal portions or organs of a patient. These tools include thermalimaging (e.g., mammography), ultrasonic probes, magnetic resonanceimaging techniques, positron emission tomography, computed tomography(CT), single photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT) and opticalimaging and/or X-ray radiation based techniques. In some minimallyinvasive instances, imaging aids, such as contrast-enhancing agents, areintroduced into the subject or patient to aid in increasing availabledata content from the non-destructive imaging technique or techniquesbeing employed.

Each of these tools presents advantages in particularized situations,has technological limitations, may require set-up and analysis time, caninclude risks and also has associated costs. As a result, a cost-benefitanalysis that also reflects the degree of urgency with respect to aparticular diagnostic trajectory often favors usage of X-rayradiation-based measurement techniques.

However, exposure to X-ray radiation can result in some risk to the testsubject or patient. For at least this reason, the dosage of X-rayradiation incident on the patient, organ or object beingevaluated/imaged, is often carefully chosen and controlled, for example,variables such as a current-time product (milliAmpere-seconds or mAs) ofcurrent to the X-ray tube (mA or milliAmperes) multiplied by exposuretime (seconds), peak voltage applied to the X-ray tube (kVp or kiloVoltspeak), and by selecting and defining an area to be exposed to providesuccessful imaging via masking, based on the task and the test subjector patient's parameters, with least health risk to the patient orradiation exposure to the object being imaged. The Food and DrugAdministration has recently identified X-ray radiation as potentiallyhaving carcinogenic effects, adding impetus to the desire to reduceoverall exposure while still providing imaging characteristics capableof enabling rapid, effective and accurate diagnostic aids.

Several factors influence image quality resulting from an X-rayradiation procedure. Statistical photon noise resulting fromcharacteristics of the X-ray radiation source and the X-ray radiationgeneration conditions tends to dominate other noise sources in formationof an X-ray radiation-based image. Signal conditioning consistent withachieving suitable contrast between various image portions, and contrastenhancement techniques, are also important considerations in providingdiagnostic images, and these issues require increasingly sophisticatedtreatment as dose and/or photon energy are decreased.

One of the key tenets of medical X-ray radiation imaging is that imagequality should be carefully considered in determining exposureconditions. Exposure considerations include predetermined dose criteriavis-a-vis dose of X-ray radiation delivered to the test subject orpatient in order to provide images. The design and operation of adetector used for medical X-ray radiation imaging should therefore betailored, responsive to the particularized task and measurementconditions, including variables in test subject mass, opacity and thelike, to provide high image quality for each X-ray radiation exposurethat is incident on the detector. However, diagnostic medical tools suchas X-ray radiation-based imaging systems are precision instruments, verycarefully designed, and then built to exacting standards. As such, thesekinds of imaging systems represent significant capital investments.Additionally, training personnel to maintain and calibrate suchequipment, to operate and then to interpret data obtained via thesediagnostic tools also encompasses additional investment. Also,comparison of data from one assessment to another, and from onetimeframe to another, is greatly facilitated when the data are collectedand processed in a relatively well-understood and documented context. Atthe same time, technical developments may provide opportunity toleverage existing infrastructural elements by retrofitting them usingsophisticated, newly-developed technological subsystems, and this alsomay facilitate capabilities not present in the ensemble of systemelements contemplated at initial design and deployment.

For example, X-ray radiation systems and other non-destructive andlargely non-invasive characterization devices have realized dramaticchanges in capability during the last century or more. Medicaldiagnostic capabilities unimaginable prior to C. W. Roentgen'sobservations of X-ray radiation images in 1895 have fostered intense andremarkably fruitful research, study and development, improving medicaltreatment capabilities to such an extent as to have, in turn, playedpivotal roles leading to conception and subsequent maturation ofentirely new medical specialties and treatment options.

One new tool resulting from this research employs pixelated X-rayradiation detectors (detectors comprising a geometric array of multipledetector elements, where each detector element may be individuallyrepresentative of at least a portion of a picture element or pixel inthe resultant image). These detectors are increasingly being employed,particularly for medical imaging. Among other things, they facilitatedigital representation of images and other data resulting from usage ofthe systems, which, in turn, enables digital signal processing, datastorage and data transmission technologies.

A significant result of these technological innovations is that thepotential and capability for real-time consultation between multipleexperts, such as medical doctors, during what is called the “goldenhour” following a medically-significant event, is greatly enhanced.Representation of such information in digital formats easestransmission, reception and standardized display of the informationwithout incurring loss of acuity of data obtained from the measurementprocess and greatly eases reduction of noise from thetransmission/reception process. In turn, this facilitates capability formultiple experts to collaborate virtually instantly, even fromgeographically diverse locations, despite extreme scenarios, e.g.,triage following an unanticipated disaster. As a result, thesecapabilities represent strong impetus to incorporate new subsystemswithin existing diagnostic instruments.

However, incorporation of embodiments of such subsystems may result insome types of incompatibilities within the systems themselves. Aspectsof system performance other than those bearing directly on factorsmotivating addition of modules incorporating recent advances can thenhave somewhat subtle, and unforeseen, impact on overall systemperformance, operation and maintenance issues.

For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons discussed below,which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the present disclosure, there are needs in the art toprovide modified system input/output and/or maintenance information insupport of increasingly stringent and exacting performance and economicstandards in settings such as medical instrumentation.

SUMMARY

The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems areaddressed herein, which will be understood by reading and studying thefollowing disclosure.

In one aspect, a signal conditioning module configured for insertioninto a system is disclosed. The signal conditioning module providescapability for expansion of information exchange capabilities betweensystem elements responsive to modification of the system. The signalconditioning module includes a first link for supplying coordinatedinformation to multiple display elements to synchronize informationdisplayed by each of the multiple display elements, a second link forsupplying coordinating data internal to a control system for anondestructive imaging system to synchronize the internal data with theinformation displayed by each of the multiple elements and a third linkfor supplying coordination descriptions relevant to a nondestructiveimaging task performed by the system to a memory, including an image anddata relevant to that image.

In another aspect, a process for signal conditioning operative in thecontext of a nondestructive imaging system includes an act ofconditioning signals exchanged between a display and control module, atleast one operator console and a processor via a signal conditioningmodule inserted between the display and control module and otherelements of the imaging system. The act of conditioning includescoordinating values selected via either the display and control moduleor the operator console with analogous values associated with othersystem elements. The process also includes an act of storing thecoordinated values in a memory. The stored coordinated values are linkedto an image formed with the imaging system using at least some of thecoordinated values as control parameters.

In a yet another aspect, an article of manufacture comprises acomputer-readable medium embodying computer code that includescomputer-readable instructions, which, when executed by one or moreprocessors, causes the one or more processors to modify signal exchangecapabilities of a signal conditioning module in an X-ray radiationsystem responsive to revision of one or more elements in the X-rayradiation system. The signal conditioning module is coupled between atleast one display and control module, at least one operator console andat least one system controller. The instructions also cause the one ormore processors to coordinate values selected via at least one of thedisplay and control module, the operator console and the systemcontroller with analogous values in at least one other of the displayand control module, the operator console and the system controller.

Systems, clients, servers, processes, and computer-readable media ofvarying scope are described herein. In addition to the aspects andadvantages described in this summary, further aspects and advantageswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading thedetailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an overview of a systemconfigured to improve X-ray radiation imaging operations.

FIG. 2 is a simplified representation of a remote display andinput/output element useful in the context of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an interface adapterelement and relationships to other system components that is useful inthe context of the system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts describing processes capable of utility inthe system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 depict graphical user interfaces capable of utility inthe system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a hardware and operating environment inwhich different embodiments can be practiced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown,by way of illustration, specific embodiments which may be practiced.These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that logical,mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made, without departingfrom the scope of the embodiments.

As used herein, the term “illumination” refers to exposure to photons,electromagnetic radiation, X- ray radiation, phonons (e.g.,insonification via ultrasound) or other wave phenomena, which do notnecessarily correspond to light that is visible to a human eye. Rangesof parameter values described herein are understood to include allsubranges falling therewithin. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The detailed description is divided into six sections. In the firstsection, a system level overview is described. In the second section,adaptive system elements are described. In the third section,embodiments of processes are described. In the fourth section, graphicaluser interfaces capable of utility with the system are described. In thefifth sections, hardware and an operating environment in conjunctionwith which embodiments may be practiced are described. In the sixthsection, a conclusion of the detailed description is provided. Atechnical effect of the systems and processes disclosed herein includesat least one of programmably expanding capability for exchange of dataand control signals in X-ray radiation systems.

I. System Overview

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of an overview of a modified system 100configured to improve X-ray radiation imaging operations. In particular,the system 100 is configured to provide digitized images fromnon-destructive imaging systems based on X-ray radiation, while reducingthe radiation dose employed, compared to conventional X-ray radiationimaging systems and processes. The system 100 optionally includes agantry 102 or other support for an illumination source 104, such as anX-ray radiation illumination source, capable of providing illumination106, such as X-rays or other non-destructive internal imagingillumination, and may optionally include a test subject support 108 thatis transmissive with respect to the illumination 106 and that ispositioned above a scintillator 109 and detector 110 that is alsoopposed to the illumination source 104. Alternatively, a directconversion detector 110 may be employed without need for a scintillator.

In one embodiment, components of the system 100 and a test subject 112are maintained in a defined geometric relationship to one another by thegantry 102. A distance between the illumination source 104 and thedetector 110 may be varied, depending on the type of examination sought,and the angle of the illumination 106 respective to the test subject 112can be adjusted with respect to the body to be imaged responsive to thenature of imaging desired.

In one embodiment, the test subject support 108 is configured to supportand/or cause controlled motion of the test subject 112, such as a livinghuman or animal patient, or other test subject 112 suitable fornon-destructive imaging, above the scintillator 109/detector 110 so thatillumination 106′ is incident thereon after passing through the testsubject 112. In turn, information from the detector array 110 describesinternal aspects of the test subject 112.

The scintillator 109 may be a conventional CsI scintillator 109,optically coupled to an array of photodiodes (FIGS. 2 and 3, infra),such as a two-dimensional array of photodiodes and suitable controltransistors formed using semiconductor material such as amorphoussilicon, or any other form of detector 110 suitable for use with thetype or types of illumination 106 being employed, such as X-rayradiation. The detector elements are typically tesselated in a mosaic.The scintillator 109 converts incident photons comprisingelectromagnetic radiation, such as X-ray radiation, from high-energy,high-frequency photons 106′, into lower-energy, lower-frequency photonscorresponding to spectral sensitivity of the detector elements, in afashion somewhat analogous to fluorescence, as is commonly known in thecontext of many visible-light sources in use today. Alternatively, thedetector 110 may be formed as a flat-panel array including amorphousSilicon (α-Si) active elements, together with either a scintillatorlayer 109, or a direct converter material such as Cadmium Zinc Telluride(CdZnTe), Mercuric Iodide (Hgl₂), Lead Iodide (Pbl₂), or amorphousSelenium (α-Se).

In some modes of operation, such as CT, the gantry 102 and test subjectsupport or table 108 cooperatively engage to move the test subject 112longitudinally, that is, along an axis extending into and out of theplane of FIG. 1 and within an opening 114. In some modes of operation,the gantry 102 rotates the X-ray radiation source 104 and detector 110about an axis 116 while the support 108 moves longitudinally to providea helical series of scans of the test subject 112, where a pitch of thehelices is defined as a ratio of a longitudinal distance traveled by thetable 108 during a complete revolution of the gantry 102, compared to alength of the detector 110 along the axis of linear motion.

In one embodiment, the detector 110 comprises a floating receptor, thatis, a detector 110 that is not coupled to a gantry and that is notassociated with a patient table 108. In other words, the floatingdigital detector is portable and is hence ‘floating’ with respect toother elements of the system 100, and it is attached to the rest of thesystem via a tether. The term ‘floating’ is meant to indicate that itsposition is completely subject to the user and is not controlled via agantry, table or other system device. In one embodiment, the floatingreceptor 100 may be postured opposite the source 104 with the testsubject 112 being located between the source 104 and the floatingreceptor 110, by placing the floating receptor beneath the test subject112, for example.

The system 100 also optionally includes a control module or controller120. The controller 120 may include a motor control module 122configured to move the test subject support 108 and thus the testsubject 112 relative to the X-ray radiation source 104 and/or detector110, and may also control motors in the gantry 102 or to position theX-ray illumination source 104 relative to the test subject 112 and/orthe detector 110.

The controller 120 includes a detector controller 124 configured tocontrol elements within the detector 110 and to facilitate data transfertherefrom. The controller 120 also includes a drive parameter controller128 configured to control electrical drive parameters delivered to theX-ray radiation source 104. One or more computers 130 provideconnections to the controller 120 via a bus 132 configured for receivingdata descriptive of operating conditions and configurations and forsupplying appropriate control signals, as will be described below inmore detail with reference to Section II et seq. Buses 134 and 134′ actto transfer data and control signals, for example with respect to an I/Omodule 135, via interconnections such as 134′, such as to and/or fromthe computer 130.

The system 100 also includes a bus 136, a bus 138 and an operatorconsole 140. The operator console 140 is coupled to the system 100through the bus 134. The operator console 140 includes one or moredisplays 142 and a user input interface 144. The user input interface144 may include a keyboard, a mouse or other tactile input device,capability for voice commands and/or other input devices. The one ormore displays 142 provide video, symbolic and/or audio informationrelative to operation of system 100, user-selectable options and imagesdescriptive of the test subject 112, and may include a graphical userinterface for facilitating user selection among various modes ofoperation and other system settings.

The system 100 also includes memory devices 150, coupled via the bus 136to the computer 130 through suitable interfaces. The memory devices 150include mass data storage capabilities 154 and one or more removabledata storage device ports 156. The one or more removable data storagedevice ports 156 are adapted to detachably couple to portable datamemories 158, which may include optical, magnetic and/or semiconductormemories and may have read and/or write capabilities, and which may bevolatile or non-volatile devices or may include a combination of thepreceding capabilities.

The system 100 further includes a data acquisition and conditioningmodule 160 that has data inputs coupled to the detector 110 and that iscoupled by the bus 138 to the one or more computers 130. The dataacquisition and conditioning module 160 includes analog to digitalconversion circuitry for capturing analog data from the detector 110 andthen converting those data from the detector 110 into digital form, tobe supplied to the one or more computers 130 for ultimate display via atleast one of the displays 142 and for potential storage in the massstorage device 154 and/or data exchange with remote facilities (notshown in FIG. 1). The acquired image data may be conditioned in eitherthe data acquisition and conditioning module 160 or the one or morecomputers 130 or both.

Development of portable digital x-ray radiation detectors 110 andattendant digital signal/image processing chain 160 elements allowsinsertion of such into the context of existing analog X-Ray products,including mobile radiography systems, to alter the output signals/imagesfrom analog to digital formats. In doing so, a problem encountered ishow to provide the actual interface between the existing analog x-rayradiation imaging product and the newly-introduced digital components.The data which must be transferred within the system include userselections (e.g., kVp, mA and mAs), data being displayed to the userwithout user input (e.g., battery level information or exposureindicator) or information normally hidden from the user (e.g., internalerror messages or general input data). Thus, a programmable digitalsubsystem is needed that includes an advanced user interface within itto coordinate this via the self-contained user interface 135 and/or theoperator console 140 (e.g., touchscreen associated with display 142)and/or the computer 130, for controlling x-ray radiation techniqueselection and generator control in the modified analog imaging system100.

Synchronous information transfer and modification of serial data betweenelements of the digital X-ray radiation image chain and within theexisting mobile radiography system provides solutions to these problemsby taking into account changing user and regulatory needs, and alsofacilitates system operation after replacement of one X-ray radiationdetection system with a different X-ray radiation detection systemhaving different signaling and other control and data protocols. Theexisting mobile radiography product 100 thus can become a mobile digitalradiography (Mobile DR) product capable of being upgraded or modified.

In one embodiment, a field-programmable and reprogrammable interfacemodule 137 may be inserted serially with the interconnection 134′, at ajuncture midstream in the useful service life of the system 100,possibly as one of several related modifications of the system 100, inorder to modify functionality of the system 100 and the module 135, andthus to accommodate enhanced capabilities of the system 100 realizedthrough revised hardware or software modules that have been retrofittedor incorporated into the system 100. Addition of revised modules maypresent operational parameters, or operational parameter modifications,not comprehended original design goals for the system 100. Addition ofthe interface module 137, by facilitating modification of data exchangesappropriately, thus aids enhancement of system capabilities, withoutneedlessly sacrificing ancillary components of the system 100.

The system 100 also includes a power supply 170, coupled viainterconnections represented as a power supply bus 172, shown in dashedoutline, to other system elements, and a power supply controller 174. Insome embodiments, the system 100 is configured to be a mobile systemequipped with a portable power supply 170, such as a battery. In otherwords, the system 100 may comprise a wheeled unit and may beelectromotively powered in self-contained fashion, lending physicalagility to the ensemble of attributes offered by the system 100.

In some settings, such as an emergency room, articulation of a mobilityfunction may be limited to motion of a system 100 that is generallydedicated to application within that setting, suite or environment. Inother settings, such mobility may include scheduled sequential visits toareas such as a cardiac unit, an ICU and other loci, where such imagingcapability provides critical assistance, such as when the test subject112 is not postured in a fashion consistent with movement of the testsubject 112 and yet aperiodic variations in work load are not favorableto cost-effective deployment of a system 100 incapable of ready,self-propelled, operator-guided, “at need” physical translation oflocation. In one embodiment, electrically-powered motors coupled to adrive train effectuate operator-directed motion of the system 100.

FIG. 2 is a simplified representation 200 of a bus 234′ coupled to aremote display and input/output element 235 that is useful in thecontext of the system of FIG. 1. The bus 234′ is counterpart to the bus134′ of FIG. 1, and the display and input/output element 235 isanalogous to the I/O module 135 of FIG. 1. The remote I/O element 235includes a control/display panel 241 and may include more than onehand-portable unit. For example, in the context of an X-ray radiationimaging system 100, a physically separate hand-holdable switch (notexplicitly shown in FIGS. 1 or 2) may be usefully employed fortriggering energization of the X-ray radiation source 104 via operatorcontrol.

The input/output element 235 includes optical displays 241, 243, 247 and249 configured to display indicia 241′, 243′, 247′ and 249′,respectively, indicative of status of various elements of the system100. The input/output element 235 includes indicia 283, 287, 288 and 289as well as tactile input elements 291 and 293.

The optical display 241 provides indicia 241′ descriptive of systemdrive settings relative to the X-ray radiation source 104, whichsettings are adjustable via the tactile input elements 291/293 incooperation with the selected settings as displayed on optical display249, but which may alternatively be determined by other system elements,subject to operator confirmation via user review, in conformance withparticularized imaging tasks, empirical data from prior measurements orimages and the like. The optical display 249 provides indicia 249′ ofuser-selected settings as such settings are modified or set by a systemoperator.

The optical display 247 provides indicia 247′ of consumable or renewablesystem resources, such as remaining useful battery capacity, in theexample of FIG. 2 and as denoted by markings 287. In one embodiment, theoptical display 247 comprises a bar-graph display (in conformance withthe example of FIG. 2) such as a multiple-segment bar-graph displayelement, shown at approximately fifty percent in this example, asdenoted by the display elements in full line form at the left half ofthe display 247 and the display elements in dashed line form at theright half of the display 247.

The marking 283 indicates in language-independent form that the opticaldisplay 243 corresponds to activation of system elements that requireappropriate caution in operation, such as the X-ray radiation source 104of FIG. 1. Auditory signals often also are contemporaneously employed toaffirmatively denote activation of such sources, due to harmfulcumulative effects that may preferentially offer danger to operators ofsuch systems.

In usage, desired settings selected via the remote I/O unit 235 as shownin the display 249, or selected via the operator console 140, and thenare communicated to the system 100 via signals, and systemsystem-selected settings are received by the remote I/O unit 235 asnoted on the display 241. These settings are reviewed, and valuescorresponding to the selected settings are stored along with data/imagesfrom operation of the system 100. The stored data, system settings,information denoted by indicia 241′ and 249′, and information shown bythe operator console 140, should all agree, for effective systemoperation. In turn, data associated with these aspects are synchronizedvia adaptive system elements, such as are described below in Section II.

II. Adaptive System Elements

In this section, adaptive and programmable aspects applicable to thesystem of FIGS. 1 and/or 2 of Section I, supra, are described. It willbe appreciated that, while these concepts as disclosed and enabled beloware phrased in terms of conventions such as particularized embodiments,other forms of description and other applications are applicable and maybe employed, without significantly altering the teachings of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating interface adapterelements 300 and relationships to other system components, useful in thecontext of the system 100 of FIG. 1. The interface adapter elements 300provides an information and signal expansion mechanism, as is explainedbelow. In FIG. 3, a mobile personal computer 328 and a centralprocessing unit 330, similar in functional aspects to the computer 130of FIG. 1, are depicted, coupled via a bus 334′, to a remote display,control and input/output element 335 and/or a remote handswitch 335′through an interfacing module 337 containing a programmable memory 351including a template portion 353 and a cumulative data portion 355.

The template portion 353 includes information descriptive of a currentsystem configuration, as well as computer-readable instructions relevantto operating characteristics and commands associated with elementscomprising the system 100, and may be provided with additionalinformation by qualified personnel at such time as the system 100 isreconfigured. The cumulated data portion 355 maintains currentinformation relative to operation of the system 100, as well as arunning historical record relevant to subsystem components within thesystem 100.

A power supply assembly 370, analogous to the power supply 170 of FIG.1, provides status signals via the interfacing module 337. Thepushbutton 391 coupled to the handswitch 335′ provides operator controlas a fail-safe act for triggering X-ray radiation generation forimaging, in conformance with operator inspection of various displays,such as those described with reference to FIG. 2 and/or monitor/display142 of FIG. 1.

The interface adapter elements 300 may, for example, modify signalingand other functional aspects of cooperation between elements of thesystem 100 in conformance with added or replaced elements. For example,when an analog detection system originally supplied as a portion of thesystem 100 is replaced with a digital detection system, such as thedetector 110 of FIG. 1, the control signals, system commands and statussignaling, system power consumption variables and system capabilitiesmay be modified in ways that could not have been envisioned at theinitial stage of system design and thus could not be comprehended in thesensors and other operative elements when the system 100 was initiallyconstructed.

Thus, field-programmable interface elements, such as the interfaceadapter/module 337 of FIG. 3 (analogous to the programmable interfacemodule 137 of FIG. 1) may be employed in order to accommodate theserevised system capabilities and to promote harmonious co-integration ofthe added modules within the existing infrastructure. These revisionsmay be accomplished even when the added system elements derive fromindependent manufacturers and do not include detailed co-integrationdata at all system levels associated with robust system functionality onmultiple levels. In other words, the interface adapter/module 337provides for expansion of capabilities that which the system 100 wasoriginally capable of, and for updating of signaling and displays inconformance with the expanded or modified system attributes.

As a result, the original purchaser or current owner of such a system100 is able to leverage successful prior product deployment andinvestment to achieve increased functionality in conformance withsubsequent decisions by that purchaser. Further, such capabilities areachieved without incurring undue penalty that might otherwise accrue asa result of varying manufacturing standards, compatibility factors andprotocols. In turn, such can provide particularly beneficialapplications to which X-ray radiation imaging and other medicaldiagnostic systems are generally directed.

The interface adapter elements 300 include capability for couplingsignals and data between infrastructural elements such as the mobilecomputer or PC 328 and/or the central processing unit 330 and controlelements such as the display/control unit 335 and handswitch 335′, andfor expansion of input/output capabilities. Typically, interconnectionsto elements such as mobile computer 328, central processing unit 330,display/control unit 335 and handswitch 335′ represent infrastructuralelements associated with prior system embodiments of the system 100.

The interconnections may support serial signal exchange protocols, whichmay be synchronous or asynchronous serial data protocols, and mayinclude parallel signaling capacities. The interface adapter 337includes, among other things, information contained within theread/write memory 351, providing signal/data translational capabilitiesbetween system elements, including those comprising the system 100 priorto system modification, in view of considerations provoked as a resultof system modification via hardware and/or software changes.

The read/write memory 351 may comprise a conventional field-programmablegate array, for example, that is updatable via data supplied by fieldservice technical experts. Field-programmable gate arrays are known inthe art and are commercially available from, for example, Xilinx, havingheadquarters at 2100 Logic Drive, San Jose, Calif. 95124-3400; Opera ofOslo, Norway; Altera, headquartered at 101 Innovation Drive, San Jose,Calif. 95134; and other manufacturers and vendors.

Such data may be introduced as modulation on a carrier wave embodyingvarious types of computer or machine interpretable instructions. Aremovable data storage device 158 or detachable computer readablemedium, such as an optical disc (CD or DVD) or other data source, may becoupled to the system 100 via a removable storage port 156, for example,or such instructions may be supplied via other, authorized, mechanisms,such as through a remote data source or a remote computer (discussedbelow with respect to FIG. 9), the Internet or other appropriate andapproved sources, and may be applied directly to the interface adapter137/337.

The read/write memory 351 may also include non-volatile memory elements,such as FLASH memory, capable of storing data representative of currentstatus of one or more system elements. Examples of such data may includea number of times that the system 100 has been activated, for example,after one or more power supply elements 170 have been replaced, or dataindicative of depth of discharge of such power supply elements 170relative to a most-recent recharge cycle and/or other related data, dataspecifically descriptive of present system configuration (type ofdetector, for example, and associated power requirements and/or typicaloperating parameters, date of installment or service/update of varioussystem components) and may also optionally include data descriptive ofambient operating system conditions (temperature, achieved power supplyvoltage level, measured current draw from the power supply etc.).

Process embodiments operative with the system 100, remote module 235 andthe interfacing adapter elements 300, together with benefits associatedwith their cooperative engagement, are described below in more detail inSection III, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

III. Process Embodiments

In the previous section, modules capable of intercalation betweenelements of previously-existing systems in furtherance of functionalitywith respect to system modifications were described. In this section,the developments and adaptations of that section are further employed asvehicles for describing the operation of a series of embodiments, withthe particular processes of such embodiments being described byreference to relevant flowcharts. Describing the processes by referenceto one or more flowcharts enables one skilled in the art to developprograms, firmware, or hardware, including such instructions configuredto effectuate the processes, as well as subsequent revisions, throughone or more processors responsive to computer-readable instructionsembodied on computer-readable media.

These capacities are often accomplished using suitable computers,including one or more processors, by executing the instructions embodiedin articles of manufacture such as computer-readable media, or asmodulated signals embodied in a carrier wave. As a result, thecomputer-readable instructions may include capacity for acceptingrevised computer-readable information descriptive of revisedcapabilities, which may relate to revisions of aspects of the system 100via substitution of components, revisions of data-processing structuresand the like. Similarly, processes performed by server computerprograms, firmware, or hardware also are represented bycomputer-executable instructions. The processes of the presentdisclosure are performed by one or more program modules executing on, orperformed by, firmware or hardware that is a part of a computer (e.g.,computer 130, FIG. 1), and/or interface adaptive elements 300.

In some embodiments, processes disclosed herein are implemented as acomputer data signal embodied in a carrier wave that represents asequence of instructions which, when executed by one or more processors,such as a processor contained in or associated with the computer 130 inFIG. 1, causes the respective process to occur. In other embodiments,the processes disclosed herein are implemented as a computer-accessiblemedium having executable instructions capable of directing a processor,such as one or more processors contained in or associated with thecomputer 130 in FIG. 1, to perform the respective process. In varyingembodiments, the medium is a magnetic medium, an electronic medium, oran electromagnetic/optical medium.

More specifically, in a computer-readable program embodiment, programscan be structured in an object-orientation using an object-orientedlanguage such as Java, Smalltalk or C++, and the programs can bestructured in a procedural-orientation using a procedural language suchas COBOL or C. Software components may communicate in any of a number ofways that are well-known to those skilled in the art, such asapplication program interfaces (API) or interprocess communicationtechniques such as remote procedure call (RPC), common object requestbroker architecture (CORBA), Component Object Model (COM), DistributedComponent Object Model (DCOM), Distributed System Object Model (DSOM)and Remote Method Invocation (RMI). The components execute on as few asone computer as in computer 130 in FIG. 1, or on multiple computers.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts describing processes 400 and 500,respectively, capable of utility in the system 100 of FIG. 1. Theprocesses 400 and 500 described above may be implemented as hardware orsoftware or a combination thereof. The processes 400 and 500 may beupdated via addition or substitution of machine-readable and executableinstructions in computer-based controllers, as is described below inmore detail in Section VI, with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a process 400 configured for coordination ofvalues associated with the display/interface 142 of FIG. 1, the remotedisplay and input/output element 235 of FIG. 2 and values represented inthe computer 130 of FIG. 1, for example. The process 400 begins in ablock 405.

In a query task 410, the process 400 determines when one or more valuesassociated with the computer 130, the operator console 140 and/or theinput/output element 235 do not agree or have been modified. Thesevalues may be system-suggested or default field values (e.g., derivedvia the computer 130), or values entered by an operator via either theremote display and input/output element 235, a touchscreen or other I/Odevice associated with the display 142, for example. Those valuesselected may be outside of a range of values consistent with thoseassociated with the system 100 at initial deployment, but within anexpanded range of values made available via additions or modificationsto the system 100, for example, as reflected in data entered into theread/write memory 351 of the interface adapter 337 and thus within arange of present system 100 capabilities. The values may be kVp values,mA values or other values pertinent to a measurement being undertaken.

When the query task 410 determines that disagreement between thesevalues exists, control passes to a block 415. In the block 415, theprocess 400 determines which of the values has been modified. Forexample, a peak voltage modification or a current modification or otherdrive parameter modification for the illumination source 104 of FIG. 1may be appropriate in view of modifications to the system 100 and mayhave been altered on one or more of the operator console 140, thedisplay and I/O element 235 or by the computer 130. Control then passesto a block 420.

In the block 420, the modified values are collected in the interfaceadapter 337 of FIG. 3. These values are compared to stored values andsystem commands, which stored data may be alterable via the process 500of FIG. 5, described below. Control then passes to a block 425.

In the block 425, the interface adapter 337 coordinates parameter valuesbetween the various system components. As a result, parameter valuesthat are sent to, and thus displayed on, the operator console 140 and/orthe input/output element 235, agree, and also agree with data associatedwith any diagnostic images formed and then processed via the computer130, for example. Additionally, the interface adapter 337 may beprogrammed to suppress some forms of system data, which are relayed toother portions of the system 100 as appropriate.

The process 400 then terminates in a block 430. Also, when the querytask 410 determines that the values do agree, the process 400 terminatesin the block 430.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a process 500 configured for updatingvariables relative to operation of the system 100, responsive tomodifications of hardware, either to actualize desired systemcapabilities or that are consistent with replacement of consumableelements within the system 100, which replacements may be “like-kind” orwhich may represent distinction in terms of one or more operationalparameters relevant to operation and/or maintenance of the system 100.The process 500 begins in a block 505. Initiation of the process 500 mayresult from a stand-alone software or instruction set modification ormay be reflective of system modification, either including elements notpreviously incorporated within the system 100 or as an aspect of routinereplacement of consumable items, such as batteries 170 that haveprovided the appropriate reliable useful service life consistent withappropriately robust operation of the system 100.

In blocks 510 and 515, an internal non-volatile memory is accessed andverified. For example, such may be a memory internal to the system 100and/or may include a field-programmable gate array comprising a portionof the read-write memory 351 of FIG. 3, and may include redundant butseparate non-volatile memory elements, such as the memory system 150 ofFIG. 1. Control then passes to a query task 520.

In the query task 520, a determination is made with respect todesirability of modification of one or more stored data elements (suchas identities and operational data specific to system components whichmay be replaced or upgraded as a portion of field service). Suchevaluation is generally effectuated in conformance with contemporaneousreview via qualified service personnel, and may range from quotidianmaintenance elements (replacement of batteries with similar or differentbattery types) to more complex system modifications (replacement of aprocessor, or even an entire image detection and processing ensemble,such as providing a digital detector array and concomitant signalprocessing apparatus in lieu of originally-supplied, thenstate-of-the-art, analog detector assemblies and signal processors).

When the query task 520 determines that modification is desirable andare approved, control passes to a block 525. In the block 525, modifieddata and/or instruction sets are made available to the system 100 and/orthe read-write memory 351 and are included within the system 100.Control then passes to a block 530.

In the block 530, the modification is verified. As such, modification ofsystem data typically includes: (i) determination of operational statusof the memory system to ensure reliability; (ii) review of version andconfiguration of system descriptors stored in that memory; (iii)comparison of those descriptors to other information, including revisedor revisable system parameters; (iv) provision of or revision of reviseddata, instruction sets and/or calibration data relevant to currentsystem configuration; and (v) verification of receipt of revisedinformation.

When the query task 520 does not determine that modification isdesirable, or when the acts associated with the blocks 525 and 530 havebeen executed and verified, control passes to a block 535. The process500 then is concluded, and other system functions continue or areinitiated.

Advantages realized by the disclosed processes, concepts and subsystemsincluding at least the following seven benefits:

1. Changes made on either user interface, i.e., on the I/O unit 235/335or the operator console 140, are contemporaneously coordinatedthroughout the system 100. Similarly, all technique displays, such as241/243/247/249 and the monitor 140, always display coordinated data orthe same information.

2. The interfacing module 337 verifies coordination of the kVp and mAselections between the I/O unit 235 and the computer 130. The computer130 then utilizes the techniques for the image processing and updatesthe monitor display 142.

3. The interfacing module 337 sends the kVp and mA selections to the I/Ounit 235/335 from the computer 130. The interfacing module 337 thentransmits the selected techniques to the system controller/computer 130,as though the user has selected the techniques on the I/O unit 235/335.

4. The interfacing module 337 intercepts all control and data signalsexchanged between the computer 130 and the I/O unit 235/335, and thuscan then relay other system messages (typically displayed on the I/Ounit 235/335) to the computer 130 for the digital system usage. Thesemessages would be for the user concerning shutdown status, errormessages, battery warnings, exposure message, etc.

5. Since the interfacing module 337 can write messages to the I/O unit235/335, it can add new message pertaining to the Digital Image Chainwhich did not previously exist on the system 100. These messages wouldbe for the user concerning digital system faults, user requestedshutdown from the operator console 140, digital image error messages,etc.

6. The interfacing module 337 sends the kVp and mAs selections from theI/O unit 235/335 to the computer 130. The computer 130 then utilizes thetechniques for the image processing and updates the monitor display 142.

7. The interfacing module 337 can transmit any general system I/Oinformation present as discrete parallel 1/0 or data on the serialinterface to the computer 130.

In particular, issues involving system modifications via inclusion ofmodules from vendors and manufacturers other than that which initiallyproduced the system 100 are accommodated and may be seamlesslyintegrated and comprehended via suitable software modifications.However, besides the technique data, all the general purpose I/O signalsused to transmit status for system elements including collimator,hand-switch 335′, interlocks, drive handle, and other useful componentscan also be supplied to the computer 130 using the processes andapparatus disclosed herein. Such integration provides increasedfunctionality and programmability for the modified system 100.

IV. Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs)

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 depict GUIs 600,700 and 800, respectively, that arecapable of utility in the system of FIG. 1. The exemplary GUI 600 ofFIG. 6 allows patient data to be selected or entered, facilitates recordsearching and provides other functionality, which functions andcapabilities may be modified via the process 500 of FIG. 5, for example,to reflect modifications to the system 100 and to maintain datacoordination as between, for example: (i) the I/O module 135 (FIG.1)/remote display and input/output element 235 (FIG. 2); (ii) thedisplay 142 in the operator console 140 (FIG. 1); and (iii) recordsstored in memory 150 (FIG. 1) and/or transmitted to remote locations forpurposes of collaboration or other reasons, in order to promote mutualconformance and to ensure that each accurately reflects parametersdescriptive of the measurement.

The GUI 600 usefully includes general-purpose tools 602, which mayinclude a calendar icon 602(1), a folder icon 602(2), a tool icon 602(3)and/or other system function icon areas 604(4). The GUI 600 also mayinclude organizational tools 604, such as a search menu 604(1), a searchby date pull-down menu 604(2), a virtual keyboard icon 604(3) and/or atext entry window 604(4). In one embodiment, the virtual keyboard icon604(3), when touch-activated, enables text entries which arepresence/absence inferable via the text window 604(4), and which mayinclude or affect a filter list function 604(5) and/or refresh listfunction 604(6).

A record information bar 608 may be included, as shown in the example ofFIG. 6, below the organizational tools area 604. The record informationbar 608 may include descriptive fields such as a date field label608(1), a patient name field label 608(2), a patient identificationfield label 608(3), an accession number field label 608(4), adescription field label 608(5), a physician name field label 608(6), amodality description field label 608(7), a status field label 608(8)and/or a location field label 608(9), for example.

A data display bar 610 is illustrated as being below the recordinformation bar 608 in FIG. 6. The data display bar 610 may include dataentries corresponding to selected associated ones of data record fields610, such as a date field D/M/Y 610(1), a patient identification fieldNEW ID# . . . 610(2), a patient name field NEW PATIE . . . 610(3), anaccession number field 200602 . . . 610(4) and/or a status field 610(5),stating “COMPLETED” in this example.

The information associated with the information bar 608/data display bar610 may be modified by qualified technicians when the system 100 ismodified, in association with periodic maintenance, or in associationwith aperiodic system capabilities modifications, for example asdescribed above with reference to the process 500 of FIG. 5, and thesynchronization capacities of the interface adapter 337 of FIG. 3 mayalso be contemporaneously augmented via software modification.Alternatively, such coordinated software modifications may beeffectuated via one or more remote computers, such as an embedded webserver or other controller, as is described below in more detail inSection V with reference to FIG. 9.

In one embodiment, the filter list function, such as may be referencedvia the icon 604(5), facilitates searching using a selected one or onesof the descriptive fields 608(N). For example, records may be searchedand then displayed in conformance with organization by physician name,facilitating extremely rapid access to stored information in a mannerconsistent with a user-specified set of search criteria.

The GUI 600 also may include a conventional scroll bar 612 thatfacilitates modification of displayed elements within a particular GUI600 in conformance with selections provided via conventionaltactile/sensory input modalities, such as a keyboard functions, a touchscreen, mouse or voice commands, among others. A series of systemcommand icons 614 may be provided and may usefully include, for example,a patient information icon 614(1), an “add patient” functionality accesspoint 614(2), a delete functionality access point 614(3), a start examfunctionality access point 614(4) and/or an emergency exam functionalityaccess point 614(5).

In one embodiment, the patient information icon 614(1) may betouch-screen activatable and/or accessible via other tactile inputdevice, voice-activated activation mechanism etc. In one embodiment,activation of the patient information icon 614(1) may provide access togeneral patient information.

The GUI 600 may also include a status and system-level indicia display636, which may provide indication of units remaining 636(1), a messagelog area 636(2), a QAP area 636(3) and an “exposure inhibit” indicator636(4) showing when an X-ray radiation source 104 cannot presently beenergized, for example.

The “exposure inhibit” indicator 636(4) employs an IEC symbol forshowing when an X-ray radiation source such as the X-ray illuminationsource 104 of FIG. 1 cannot be energized by the system 100, i.e., is“locked out” by protocol for any of a variety of safety reasons, or isinconsistent with the physical status of the system 100 or isincompatible with a stage in the procedural scenario. In the example ofFIG. 6, it is inappropriate to energize the X-ray radiation source 104while the GUI 600 is being displayed, because conditions precedent toenergization have not been met at this juncture. With respect to thegraphical user interface 800 of FIG. 8, infra, however, display of an“exposure inhibit” indicator such as 636(4) is an indication that anoperator should touch the indicator location on the screen in order toreview a display of those conditions that render result in the system100 precluding such energization. Following data entry/verification viathe GUI 600, a GUI 700, such as the example illustrated in FIG. 7, isshown to the user.

The GUI 700 of FIG. 7 shows a digital image exam screen adapted tofacilitate protocols appropriate for selection of anatomy examinationrelevant to the presenting patient, as identified via data entries usingthe GUI 600 of FIG. 6, for example. The GUI 700 includes a patientinformation icon 714, analogous to the patient information icon 614(1)of FIG. 6, a modality indication field 720 displaying “SELECT PROTOCOLS”in the example of FIG. 7, an available protocols header 722, and aselected protocols header 724.

The GUI 700 also may include a protocol field 730, including selectionbuttons 733 and indicators 734 for selecting among examples of protocolssuch as ABDOMEN 734(1), CHEST 734(2), SHOULDER 734(3), EXTREMITIES_UPPER734(4), PELVIC_GIRDLE 734(5), EXTREMITIES_LOWER 734(6), SPINE 734(7) andHEAD 734(8). It will be appreciated that this listing of protocols isexemplary, and that more or fewer protocols may also be included withina menu of protocols accessible, for example, via the modality indicationfield 720 and/or the protocol field 730. It will also be appreciatedthat the protocols available may be modified via the process 500 of FIG.5, for example, in conformance with modifications of the system 100 orthe software employed in analysis of images from the system 100, andsuitable programming of the interfacing module 337 of FIG. 3, forexample. As a result, the interfacing module 337 is able to supportmodified system functionality and to promote mutual conformance betweenthe data shown via the I/O module 135 and that associated with theoperator console 140 display 142 (FIG. 1), data stored in the datastorage module 150, the remote display and input/output element 235(FIG. 2) and/or the display/control unit 335 of FIG. 3.

Data corresponding to a selected protocol may be displayed in a datafield 736, for example, to provide indication as to data that may bestored along with images associated with the patient and otherinformation described above with reference to FIG. 6 and one or moreprotocols as described with reference to the GUI 700. The GUI 600 mayalso include a status and system-level indicia display 738, such asUNITS REMAINING in this example. Following data entry/verification viathe GUI 700, a GUI 800, illustrated in FIG. 8, is shown to the user.

The GUI 800 of FIG. 8 shows a digital image exam screen adapted tofacilitate protocols appropriate for selecting exposure parameters, suchas kVp, mAs, protocols, and the like, for the system 100 of FIG. 1. TheGUI 800 includes a NEW PATIENT ID label 808, an NEW PATIENT ID field 810displaying “NEW 200602 . . . ” in this example, a patient informationicon 814 analogous to the patient information icon 614(1) of FIG. 6, aSELECT PROTOCOL label 820 that is accessed via command labels or foldertabs, such as folder tabs 822(1) and 822(2), and which is deaccessed viabutton CLOSE 822(3) or button DISCONTINUE 822(4). A label 824 displays aselected one of the protocols. Selecting the folder tab 822(1) allowsaccess to a menu of protocols, via buttons such as button 833, forexample, HIP 834(1), anterior/posterior “AP” 834(2), lateral LAT 834(3)etc.

System control functions are displayed in a display bar 836, includingUNITS REMAINING 836(1), MESSAGE LOG 836(2) and QAP 836(3). A controlpanel 840 includes selection areas and labels, such as the label“PATIENT SIZE:” 840(1), a label showing a selected size, labeled “MEDIUMADULT” 840(2) and a scroll bar 840(3), a label “RECEPTOR” 840(4), andicons/selection buttons corresponding to a film cassette 840(5), or adigital detector, such as a floating receptor 840(6), corresponding to aselected type of receptor. An information display area 844 providesinformation relative to the type of exam being performed, in thisexample as shown by the label “PATIENT SIDE” 844(1), the information“RIGHT” and an associated scroll bar 844(2), a label “RECOMMENDEDPOSITION” 844(3) and a display “HEAD UP” 844(4).

The GUI 800 also includes a display area 850, showing a label “RESETTECHNIQUE” 850(1) identifying a button 850(2) (which resets the systemto default values when selected), a label “RECOMMENDED” 850(3), showinga GRID parameter 850(4) (“IN” in this case), and STD (“100” in thiscase). A control/display area 860 relative to kVp (and showing “80” inthis example) includes scroll bars 860(1) and 860(2), and anothercontrol display area 865 relative to milliAmpere-seconds (and showing“10.0” in this example) includes scroll bars 865(1) and 865(2). The GUIs600, 700 and 800 thus provide user-selectable data and control entryfunctions in a logical sequence for providing/accessing patientinformation and data and values pertinent to an exam to be performed,and these functions are reprogrammable in conformance with modificationsto the system 100 as described above.

System functionality and operation thus may be effectuated via the GUIsequence 600, 700, 800, for example via a touchscreen, and selections sodetermined may be synchronized between all elements of the system 100via the interfacing module 337. System capabilities may be expanded viaprogramming of suitable instructions and data, for example as describedwith reference to the process 500 of FIG. 5, in memories such as thememory 351 of FIG. 3 and/or 150 of FIG. 1. Additionally, a gamut ofaspects accessed via or represented by the GUIs 600, 700, 800 may bealtered or expanded via such programming.

As a result, the system 100 is provided with revised data andinstructions. Continuity of capabilities of the system 100 areaugmented, and performance, as well as longevity of the system 100, arepromoted. As an example, a technical effect promoted by such can includecapability of transmission, via digital technologies, of radiographicimages having improved diagnostic value for immediate contemplation andevaluation by experts during triage, or even during transportation of avictim of an accident from the situs of the disaster to suitable medicalfacilities—such as during the “golden moments” immediately followingdetermination of injury that are extremely vital to increasing patientsurvival, as well as recovery trajectory. These features and advantagescan represent significant improvements in system performance, from acapabilities perspective as well as reliability considerations. Suchenhancements, in terms of machine-controlled performance in tandem withoperator review and approval, may be achieved via the elements describedabove with reference to FIGS. 1 through 8, as well as in conjunction andcooperation with an operating environment such as that which isdescribed below in Section V with reference to FIG. 9.

V. Hardware and Operating Environment

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a hardware and operating environment 900,including one or more computers 902, in which different embodiments canbe practiced. The description of FIG. 9 provides an overview of computerhardware and a suitable computing environment in conjunction with whichsome embodiments can be implemented. Embodiments are described in termsof a computer executing computer-executable instructions. However, someembodiments can be implemented entirely in computer hardware in whichthe computer-executable instructions are implemented in read-onlymemory. Some embodiments can also be implemented in client/servercomputing environments where remote devices that perform tasks arelinked through a communications network. Program modules can be locatedin both local and remote memory storage devices in a distributedcomputing environment.

The computer 902 includes one or more processors 904, commerciallyavailable from Intel, Santa Clara Calif.; Motorola, Schaumburg Ill.;Cyrix, now associated with National Semiconductor of Santa Clara Calif.;and others. The computer 902 also includes random-access memory (RAM)906, read-only memory (ROM) 908, and one or more mass storage devices910, and a system bus 912, that operatively couples various systemcomponents to the processing unit 904 and/or to each other and/orexternal apparatus. The memories 906 and 908, and the mass storagedevices 910, are types of computer-accessible media. Mass storagedevices 910 are more specifically types of nonvolatilecomputer-accessible media and can include one or more hard disk drives,floppy disk drives, optical disk drives, and tape cartridge drives. Theprocessor 904 executes computer programs stored on these variouscomputer-accessible media.

The computer 902 can be communicatively connected to the Internet 914via a communication device 916. Internet 914 connectivity is well knownwithin the art. In one embodiment, a communication device 916 is a modemthat responds to communication drivers to connect to the Internet viawhat is known in the art as a “dial-up connection.” In anotherembodiment, the communication device 916 includes an Ethernet® orsimilar hardware network card connected to a local-area network (LAN)that itself is connected to the Internet 914 via what is known in theart as a “direct connection” (e.g., T1 line, etc.).

A user enters commands and information into the computer 902 throughinput devices such as a keyboard 918 or a pointing device 920. Thekeyboard 918 permits entry of textual information into computer 902, asknown within the art, and embodiments are not limited to any particulartype of keyboard 918. The pointing device 920 permits the control of thescreen pointer provided by a GUI as associated with operating systems,such as versions of the Microsoft Windows® operating system. Embodimentsare not limited to any particular pointing or tactile input device 920.Such pointing devices 920 include mice, touch pads, trackballs, remotecontrols and point sticks. Other input devices (not shown) can include amicrophone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like.

In some embodiments, the computer 902 is operatively coupled to adisplay device 922 via the system bus 912. The display device 922permits the display of information, including computer, video and otherinformation, for viewing by a user of the computer 902. Embodiments arenot limited to any particular display device 922, which may includecathode ray tube (CRT) displays (monitors), as well as flat paneldisplays such as liquid crystal displays (LCD's). In addition to amonitor 922, computers 902 typically include other peripheralinput/output devices such as printers (not shown). Speakers 924 and 926may provide audio output signals, responsive to commands deliveredthrough the system bus 912.

The computer 902 also includes an operating system (not shown) that isstored on the computer-accessible media RAM 906, ROM 908, and massstorage device 910, that is accessed and executed by the processor 904.Examples of operating systems include the Microsoft Windows®, AppleMacOS®, Linux® and UNIX® operating systems. Examples are not limited toany particular operating system, however, and the construction and useof such operating systems are well known within the art.

Embodiments of the computer 902 are not limited to any type of computer902. In varying embodiments, the computer 902 comprises a PC-compatiblecomputer, a MacOS® operating system compatible computer, a Linux®operating system compatible computer, or a UNIX® operating systemcompatible computer. The construction and operation of such computersare well known within the art.

The computer 902 can be operated using at least one operating system toprovide a GUI displaying icons or other indicia of functionalityaccessible to a user via tools such as a user-controllable pointer. Thecomputer 902 can have at least one web browser application programexecuting within at least one operating system, to permit users of thecomputer 902 to access an intranet, extranet or Internet 914world-wide-web pages as addressed by Universal Resource Locator (URL)addresses. Examples include the Netscape Navigator® and the MicrosoftInternet Explorer® browser programs.

The computer 902 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer928. These logical connections are achieved by a communication devicecoupled to, or forming a part of, the computer 902. Embodiments are notlimited to a particular type of communications device. The remotecomputer 928 can be another computer, a server, a router, a network PC,a client, a peer device or other common network node. The logicalconnections depicted in FIG. 9 include a local-area network (LAN) 30 anda wide-area network (WAN) 932. Such networking environments arecommonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets,extranets and the Internet 914.

When used in a LAN-networking environment, the computer 902 and remotecomputer 928 are connected to the local network 930 through networkinterfaces or adapters 934, which is one type of communications device916. The remote computer 928 also includes a network device 936. Whenused in a conventional WAN-networking environment, the computer 902 andremote computer 928 communicate with a WAN 932 through one or moremodems (not shown). The modem, which can be internal or external, isconnected to the system bus 912. In a networked environment, programmodules depicted relative to the computer 902, or portions thereof, canbe stored in the remote computer 928.

The computer 902 also includes a power supply 938. Each power supply 938can be a battery, as noted above. The computer 902 also may include aremovable memory storage port 956 capable of accepting a removable datastorage device 958 (analogous to the port 156 and removable data storagedevice 158 of FIG. 1), which provides capability for revision ofmachine-readable instructions, among other things. Computer-readableinstructions and/or data may also be supplied to the computer 920 viacoupling to a suitably-programmed removable data storage device 958and/or via a carrier wave including modulation of computer-readableinformation coupled from external sources, such as the Internet 914 orother external interconnections.

The computer 902 may function as one or more of the control segments ofmodule 120 (FIG. 1), the computer 130, the operator console 140 and/orthe data acquisition and conditioning module 160, for example, viaimplementation of the processes 400 and 500 of FIGS. 4 and 5 as computerprogram modules.

VI. Conclusion

A computer-based medical imaging system is described. Although specificembodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangementwhich is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover anyadaptations or variations. For example, although described in proceduralterms, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatimplementations can be made in a procedural design environment or anyother design environment that provides the required relationships.

In particular, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that thenames or labels of the processes and apparatus are not intended to limitembodiments. Furthermore, additional processes and apparatus can beadded to the components, functions can be rearranged among thecomponents, and new components to correspond to future enhancements andphysical devices used in embodiments can be introduced without departingfrom the scope of embodiments. One of skill in the art will readilyrecognize that embodiments are applicable to future communicationdevices, different file systems, and new data types. The terminologyused in this disclosure is meant to include all object-oriented,database and communication environments and alternate technologies whichprovide the same functionality as described herein.

1. A signal conditioning module configured for insertion into a system,the signal conditioning module providing capability for expansion ofinformation exchange capabilities between system elements responsive tomodification of the system, wherein the signal conditioning moduleincludes: a first link for supplying coordinated information to multipledisplay elements to synchronize information displayed by each of themultiple display elements; a second link for supplying coordinating datainternal to a control system for a nondestructive imaging system tosynchronize the internal data with the information displayed by each ofthe multiple elements; and a third link for supplying coordinationdescriptions relevant to a nondestructive imaging task performed by thesystem to a memory, including an image and data relevant to that image.2. The signal conditioning module of claim 1, further comprising anonvolatile memory coupled to the signal conditioning module, thenonvolatile memory including computer-readable instructions, that, whenexecuted by one or more processors, cause at least one of the multipledisplay elements to provide a sequence of graphical user interfacesincluding information descriptive of system capabilities augmented viasystem modification.
 3. The signal conditioning module of claim 1,further comprising a nonvolatile memory coupled to the signalconditioning module, the nonvolatile memory including computer-readableinstructions, that, when executed by one or more processors, cause atleast one of the multiple display elements to provide a sequence ofgraphical user interfaces including information descriptive of systemcapabilities augmented via system modification, the nonvolatile memorybeing configured to accept revised computer-readable instructionsincluding computer-readable instructions relevant to additional systemmodification.
 4. The signal conditioning module of claim 1, furthercomprising a nonvolatile memory coupled to the signal conditioningmodule, the nonvolatile memory including computer-readable instructions,that, when executed by one or more processors, cause at least one of themultiple display elements to provide a information descriptive of systemcapabilities augmented via system modification.
 5. The signalconditioning module of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first,second and third links includes a serial data exchange capability, andwherein the signal conditioning module provides augmented capabilityreflective of system modifications for data exchange via serial dataexchange.
 6. The signal conditioning module of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the first, second and third links includes a serial data exchangecapability, and wherein the signal conditioning module providesaugmented capability reflective of system modifications for dataexchange via serial data exchange, the system modifications includingreplacement of an analog X-ray radiation detection system with a digitalX-ray radiation detection system to provide non-destructive imagingcapability.
 7. The signal conditioning module of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the first, second and third links includes a serial dataexchange capability and a parallel data exchange capability, and whereinthe signal conditioning module provides augmented capability reflectiveof system modifications for data exchange via serial data exchange.
 8. Aprocess for signal conditioning in a nondestructive imaging system, theprocess including acts of: conditioning signals exchanged between adisplay and control module, at least one operator console and aprocessor via a signal conditioning module inserted between the displayand control module and other elements of the imaging system, whereinconditioning includes coordinating values selected via either thedisplay and control module or the operator console with analogous valuesassociated with other system elements; and storing the coordinatedvalues in a memory, the stored coordinated values being linked to animage formed with the imaging system using at least some of thecoordinated values as control parameters.
 9. The process of claim 8,wherein the nondestructive imaging system comprises an X-ray radiationsystem, and wherein the signal conditioning module includes anonvolatile memory configured to store computer-readable instructions,which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or moreprocessors to condition signals in conformance with a digital X-rayradiation detector replacing an analog X-ray radiation detector.
 10. Theprocess of claim 8, wherein the nondestructive imaging system comprisesan X-ray radiation system, and wherein conditioning includessynchronizing a selection of peak kiloVolts, milliAmperes,milliAmpere-seconds and/or other X-ray radiation exposure parametersthat is made using either the display and control module or the operatorconsole with other system elements.
 11. The process of claim 8, whereinconditioning includes expanding a range of control functions representedvia serial signals exchanged between system elements.
 12. The process ofclaim 8, wherein conditioning includes expanding a range of controlfunctions represented via serial signals exchanged between systemelements responsive to modifications to the system.
 13. The process ofclaim 8, wherein conditioning includes conditioning a mix of serial andparallel signals exchanged between system elements.
 14. The process ofclaim 8, further comprising accepting and storing computer-readableinstructions in a nonvolatile memory, the instructions, when executed byone or more processors, causing the one or more processors to performthe act of conditioning in conformance with a revision to elementscomprising the system.
 15. An article of manufacture comprising acomputer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions embodiedthereon, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the oneor more processors to: modify signal exchange capabilities of a signalconditioning module in an X-ray radiation system responsive to revisionof one or more elements in the X-ray radiation system, the signalconditioning module being coupled between at least one display andcontrol module, at least one operator console and at least one systemcontroller; and coordinate values selected via at least one of thedisplay and control module, the operator console and the systemcontroller with analogous values in at least one other of the displayand control module, the operator console and the system controller. 16.The article of manufacture of claim 15, wherein the computer-readablemedium comprises a detachable computer-readable medium.
 17. The articleof manufacture of claim 15, wherein the computer-readable mediumcomprises a nonvolatile memory associated with the signal conditioningmodule.
 18. The article of manufacture of claim 15, wherein thecomputer-readable instructions, when executed, cause the one or moreprocessors to modify signal exchange capabilities in conformance with arange of signal exchange capabilities that is expanded in comparison todesign criteria for the system.
 19. The article of manufacture of claim15, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed, cause theone or more processors to modify signal exchange capabilities tofacilitate operation of a digital X-ray radiation detection system thatreplaces an analog X-ray radiation detection system.
 20. The article ofmanufacture of claim 15, wherein the article of manufacture isconfigured to store revised computer-readable instructions supplied froma remote data source.